I've always kind of liked Joe Budden, but man, this album is probably one of his greatest. When I had checked out this album, I originally thought that I wasn't going to expect much, but luckily, I got something wonderful.

A descent album from Joey, but after Mood Muzik 2 + 3 I (And I think all Budden fans) were expecting more, I hope that his next studio album (The Great Escape) will finally put to bed all of his doubters, all us Jumpoff fans know that the guy is an amazing MC but he needs to start showing it when it counts.

The Joe Budden on Padded Room, however, is focused and hungry, spinning dense, psychological yarns that build for dozens and dozens of bars. Budden scratched and clawed for his second chance, and he hasn’t squandered it.

Therefore, whoever had the final say-so on the beat selection is the main culprit for the failings on the album - if it was Joe Budden himself, then more shame him, because he also turns in a superb lyrical performance that rap fans will appreciate as one of the most interesting efforts in recent hip hop history.